Enter the coupon code
onlythebest upon checkout and save 20% on your entire order!
|
What is the “Right Length” for your Cranks? |
|
|
|
|
Written by Dick Kelly
|
|
Friday, 21 September 2007 |
This is one of the ongoing controversies in cycling circles. Should you choose your crank length based upon your leg length? The answer, if you follow the laws of physics, is yes. I have been arguing this point for years and I can speak with experience since I have been riding 180mm cranks for over 20 years. It is true that if you drastically increased your crank length in the middle of the season and without adjusting position as well as progressive adaptation you could run the risk of injury.
However, that is not the way to approach increasing the length of your cranks. The Renault company’s division of physiology and biomechanics did an analysis of tall riders using 175mm cranks and found that the longer cranks submitted their legs to smaller angular variations than smaller riders using 170mm cranks. Therefore, one can say that a cyclist who spins at the same speed in the same gear with longer cranks will decrease the effort or force exerted on the pedals. The result being less energy is needed which can then be used later in a race or group training ride. I will use myself as an example; with my 180mm cranks in a 53x13 gear, the effort especially at speed is practically the same as with 172.5mm in a 53x14. I other words you can ride a gear higher with no more effort.
 If you want to try longer cranks you can do it based on your inseam. Inseams from 74 to 77 cm use170mm cranks; from78 to 81 cm use 172.5 cranks; from 82 to 85 cm use 175mm cranks; from 86 to 89 cm use 177.5mm cranks; from 90 to 93 cm use 180mm cranks.
A warning: Your buddy’s may wonder what you are doing to get all that extra power. Ride Safe. |
Best Bicycle Parts Etc . Com
Best Bicycle Parts Etc . Com is your online source for bicycle parts, tires, accessories, and more! We ship most of our bicycle parts directly from the manufacturers to insure quality and reliability. At Best Bicycle Parts Etc . Com we only carry the best products as tested by me (Dick Kelly), and cycling enthusiasts such as yourself!
